Hall of Fame
Paul Buckley was a member of Embry-Riddle’s men’s soccer team from 2000-03. “Bucko” earned a spot in the starting line-up as a freshman and immediately established himself as a leader both on and off the field. As a sophomore, he played a key role in helping the Blue and Gold to its first regional title and the team’s first NAIA National Tournament appearance. During that campaign he set an Embry-Riddle single-game record for assists (5) and went on to be the Eagles’ leader in that category in each of his remaining three seasons.
In his senior season, Buckley, a team captain, led the Eagles to their best campaign to date. The Eagles went undefeated in conference play (9-0-1) and registered upsets of Simon Fraser and No. 1 Lindsey Wilson en route to an Elite Eight finish at the NAIA National Tournament and an 18-2 overall record. Somewhat symbolic of Buckley’s leadership, the Eagles were the recipient of the NAIA’s Nehls Dahlquist Sportsmanship Award.
Buckley closed out his career as a two-time All-American, earning third team honors as a sophomore and first team recognition as a senior. He was also named to the All-Region team three times, was an All-Conference selection in each of his four seasons and was named the Conference and Region XIV Player of the Year in 2003. He currently ranks among ERAU’s career top 10 in assists (1st, 51), points (3rd, 121), shots (4th, 238), goals (5th, 35), appearances (8th, 74) and game-winners (10th, 5).
Buckley also excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 3.7 grade point average in Business Administration. An Embry-Riddle Business Freshman of the Year and a two-time NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete, Buckley holds the distinction of being the only ERAU men’s soccer player to be named a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American.
After his collegiate career ended, Buckley signed a professional contract to play with the Syracuse Soccer Club. He gave up his playing career to further his education and in 2005, he returned to Embry-Riddle to pursue his Master’s Degree in Aviation Business Administration. In addition to serving as a graduate assistant in ERAU’s Chancellor’s Office, Buckley returned to the men’s soccer program as a graduate assistant coach and served in that capacity for three seasons, during which time the Eagles won three conference and regional titles and made three trips to the national tournament.
Buckley completed his Master of Science degree in Aviation Business Administration in December, 2007 and is currently a Specialist in Charter Operations for Delta Air Lines in Atlanta, Ga.
“It was immediately apparent that Paul possessed natural leadership ability. He had a presence on and off the sports fields that immediately commanded attention and respect. Paul led by example. He was an excellent leader, one who set the standard for work ethic and concentration among his teammates. Paul is a man of character and integrity. He holds the highest moral standards and does the right thing for the right reason.”
--David Gregson
Embry-Riddle Head Men’s Soccer Coach (1994-present)
“Paul, for all his individual awards, was the consummate team player. He was always a leader on the team in everything he did. He always conducted himself in a manner that reflected well on the team, school and coaches. Paul truly made the most of his four-years at Embry-Riddle as a player and this was also reflected in the three Champions of Character awards he garnered. It was obvious the impact Paul had on the program and the school itself that when he finished his undergraduate work he was hired to work with the Chancellor’s Office and continue to be involved with the team in a coaching capacity while working towards his Master’s Degree.”
--John Haworth
Embry-RIddle Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach (2001-02, 2008-present)
Embry-Riddle Men’s Soccer Player (1998-01)
“As a person, ‘Bucko’ as we all know him, brought a humor and laughter to the locker-room with stories still spoke about today from people past and present in the program. Bucko cares about everyone and his magnetic personality made him loved by all on campus. The humor he brought to the team was not at the expense of the weaker personality or athlete, but first at the expense of himself. Bucko is someone who never lets you down, he is reliable, honest, sees the best in people, and makes himself available when you need him most.
“What makes Bucko a Hall of Famer is he makes choices not sacrifices. He made the right choices as a student, person and player each and everyday to be the best in the programs history. When everyone is looking at someone else, Bucko would take it upon himself to win and be the difference. A Hall of Famer shoulders such responsibility and is able to consistently produce. This attitude is an extension of the way Bucko lives his life and accepts the challenges life brings. He is an inspiration to the past and present and there is more success to come from Bucko in his life and he will continue to earn the right to be named amongst Embry-Riddle’s best.”
--Philip Jones
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer , 1999-02
“What impressed me most are Paul’s qualities as a great friend and special leader that made him not only an irreplaceable part of the football team, but also a role model for all players in the NAIA community. Paul had to overcome very serious injuries from which he always emerged stronger and more successful than before. This speaks not only of his professionalism, his will and commitment, but also for a strong character, which ultimately made him a role model and motivated others. All his accomplishments were an important step for the ERAU Eagles soccer program to move forward and establish itself as an excellent school in the national soccer spotlight.”
--Jasmin Kadric
Embry-Riddle Men’s Soccer (1999-02)
Embry-Riddle Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2009
